That is so awesome! I can hardly wait for this to spread across the country :o)

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Wonderful news! These dogs need all the help they can get. As mentioned in this article, responsible pet ownership is of the utmost importance. If dogs are allowed to run loose and behavior problems do not get addressed promptly then in the end the dogs suffer because the owner was not taking pet ownership seriously. Education about the pit bulls and education about responsible pet ownership is of the utmost importance in saving these dogs or any dog's life and giving it a quality of life.

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I have been spending a lot of time perusing Petfinder.com and am very disheartened and utterly concerned with the sheer number of pit bulls/staffordshires/terriers, etc listed knowing their chances of being adopted are so much less than other breeds. These animals {as with previously mislabeled "vicious" breeds} do not deserve the reputation they are receiving from ignorant and misguided sources. Thanks to everyone working to get the correct information out to the public about these wonderful, loving, loyal and beautiful creatures. I am tired of the animals paying the ultimate price for man's stupidity and ignorance. Punish irresponsible pet owners not the animals.

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I am not too far from Carlsbad. Who would I contact to help out??? Dee

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I refer to them as "Kiss Bulls" instead of pit bulls. Words are powerful!!

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awesome! with two pitbulls and a half pitty foster dog i can say that this is one of my favorite breeds! i love the friendliness and people pleasing of pitbulls! i wouldnt trade them for anything! my sam is a rescue dog thats about 2 years old. he came with a lot of bad habits but is so eager to please that we're minimizing (and hopefully soon erasing) these habits! he is the most affectionate loving dog though! i often overlook the muddy clothes from his jumping to get kisses and hugs! thank you best friends for making it possible for everyone to have a love-a-bull!

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Yea!!!! If you are ever adopted by a pit bull, they will capture your heart & soul! Nothing like them. I have a 10 year old pittie mix who spent her first 2 years on the street. Sweetest, coolest, smartist dog ever! The love of my life! Thank you!! She's

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I think Michael Vick should make a very hefty donation to this cause.

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This is wonderful news. I've gotten to know this breed since volunteering at my local Humane Society and realize that they are one of the most loving breeds of all. In my "Dog Bible," they are actually recommended for families with small children. They have such a bad rap and I'd love to see their reputations restored. This is a good start!

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I will no longer give to Pet Smart Charities if they continue to give to Pit Bull Rescues. This is purely personal and I have good reason to believe that this breed should be "bred down" to be a less agressive dog. I love most animals but cannot trust pitt bulls or pit bull crosses.... I agree they should be banned and as much as I love Best Friends I cannot donate folr this particular cause..

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I would love to see this come to Atlanta, GA. Sadly, so many people have closed minds/hearts and they don't want to be confused with the facts where Pit Bulls are concerned. Pit Bulls are great dogs.

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Someone PLEASE start one of these programs in Atlanta, GA.

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We have 3 dogs...a lab mix, a Belgian shepherd, and a pit bull. If I had to choose just one dog to keep, it would, without question be Duke, our lovable, friendly, ball-playing pit bull. These dogs truly get a bad rap. Anyone who has owned one as a pet has to fall in love with them!! Bravo to Pet Smart Charities, Best Friends, and all the other organizations helping to show the gentle, loving side of these dogs!!

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For some time I have been concerned about Best Friends' concentration on this one breed. I am sure your work has done some good, and that there are good trustworthy pit bulls in the world; however, you report nothing on ones trained to attack. It's well known how their jaws clamp down and do not release, and a level of unpredictability. My neice has had a reasonably decent one also. My major objection, though, is your constant focus on pits. You just have to stop beating your members over the head, have gone way overboard. Further, Vick did his time, learned lessons he now passes on to others, and I am damned sick of those who can't quit bashing him. THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER WORTHWHILE SUBJECTS, and breeds that need help. Please get off the pitty wagon. It is sooo stale now.

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In response to margykr. You are completely wrong, more rescue organizations need to help this breed, thank god it is the best one around "Best Friends". Pitbulls are the most discarded, abused, misunderstood breed of all. You obviously are buying into the media's painted picture of what they think pitbulls are about. Best Friends wants the truth and you cannot fault them for that. Truth sets free, these dogs are prisonors of their own breed, how would you like that kind of predjudice forced on you? All animals need help. I don't know what you have been reading but Best Friends helps all breeds from what I can see, there is just an overwhelming need for pitbulls because of people that think just like you. Education is what it is all about, not anger.

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In Phoenix Arizona, the number one dog to come into the shelter is a pitbull(mix). It is also the number one dog not to make it out of the shelter alive. We need help here, desperately. I am the proud owner of the best dog I have ever been blessed to know, my pit mix Oliver. No words can adequately describe his joyous, happy, and loving personality. And until I take my last breath, I will fight vehemently for them. PUNISH THE DEED - NOT THE BREED. PLEASE.

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Wonderful news!!!! To Fishpaws33: please educate yourself. Pit Bulls have scored significantly higher than most breeds on the ASPCA's Temperament Test and they are a wonderful, loving breed. It's people like you that make special initiatives like this necessary to save this much maligned breed. Much of what you hear in the news are stories generalizing nearly 20 different breeds under the "Pit Bull" classification. And, never do you hear how irresponsible the owner's actions that led up to a given incident. To: Margykr - Pit Bulls have been the breed to hate for a few decades now (much longer than the anti-German Shepherd, Doberman and Rottweiler periods) and with politicians continuing to try to push BSL, this remains a hot topic and a worthy cause. People are very close-minded to this breed, without reason, so it must continue to stay on the forefront for changes to be made. Btw, it's a fallacy that pits have locking jaws. They're simply strong dogs that were bred to pull/work with their jaws.

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Thankyou for helping these beautiful creatures, like us,they were born innocent. Unfortunately many ignorant people take them as babies and abuse them for their own selfish and greedy needs. We need more laws, more education,and compassion for all animals. Humans are the only beings that kill for gain. Animals can teach us that life could be so simple if we would just learn to be kind to all creatures. And Michael Vick should take action and become a spokesman for the pits that are forced to fight.

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I am glad to hear Rancho Cucamonga is a part of this program. We adopted one of our Staffies (Annie, formerly known as Pebbles) from RC and they were very accepting, open, and kind to the breed. We spent a lot of time visiting with various Staffies before choosing Annie, and the staff at RC was very helpful and made the adoption a great experience. We had a very different experience at a shelter in Cochella Valley, but that just showed me how awesome the folks at RC are!

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I've been volunteering for a year as a dog trainer at our local animal control, and I agree, Pitbulls and dogs labeled as Pitbulls are incredibly sweet and intelligent dogs. I've never had a Pitbull try to bite me, but I've had Cocker Spaniels and other so-called "nice" breeds attempt to bite! I'm happy to see that most of the comments about Pitbulls are positive, but I did see at least one negative comment from Fishpaws33 who believes that the Pitbull breed should be banned. It's a shame that people are so ignorant that they believe the media hype. Let's see, it used to be German Shepherds that had bad labels; then it was Doberman PInschers; and then it was Rottweilers. Get a clue people! Unfortunately, the criminal element in the US continue to see the Pitbull as a status symbol and this has contributed to the bad publicity. Unsavory people in our community abandon and abuse their Pitbulls on a regular basis. These are the poor dogs that end up at our shelter, and I'm happy to say that most of them are saved and go to good homes where they can be loved and appreciated. Thank you Best Friends and Petsmart charities.

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I am a mentor to our animal club in our high school and the students are preparing lessons about animal care focusing on saving pitbulls. I visited our local shelter to bring donations and all the dogs there were pitbulls. I reached out to pet a few and their bodies were shaking with joy. My response to those so call "dog lovers" is all dog breeds are worth saving and bringing awareness to the public about their plight. Thanks Best Friends for being a voice for pitties.

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Way to go malex, and the many others who are working so hard to support the all American shelter dogs (pit mixes) :-) If you're interested in volunteering for one of the programs, please click on the link to their Facebook pages which are set up for the "Pit Crews" and supporters. I can also put you in touch with the local coordinators at the shelters if interested. jamieh@bestfriends.org

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Here's more information on the specific volunteer opportunities as well: http://volunteer.bestfriends.org/programs/communityoutreach

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I love the pitbull breed and just recently, within the last year, we had a dog warden that euthanized all pitbulls, including puppies and pitbull mixes. The community was outraged and finally was able to get that dog warden into a forced retirement. Finally we gained a new dog warden, although each week is a list in the paper of all the pitbulls euthanized because the shelter is at maximum capacity. I am so discouraged. How may I help save these dogs? anyone??

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We are dog lovers and the owners of an American Bulldog rescue and a Pit Bull rescue. Like Tiana, our Penny was used as a breed dog, and possibly a bait dog, judging by the scars on her face. We got her last August from a Pit Bull Rescue in Riverside County, CA, and she is so very sweet. She loves to be close, loves to play, and loves our other dog. We are very appreciative of the efforts Best Friends puts into promoting and saving the breed. That being said, I am rather surprised that Best Friends would accept $240,000 from PetSmart to save Pit Bulls, when PetSmart very plainly states that "bully breeds" are not welcome in their Doggy Day Care. Very ironic that they are receiving such good press for saving dogs they won't allow in their care. Once I learned this information about PetSmart, I never stepped foot in any of their stores again. More bully breed owners need to be aware of the discrimination that exists in our society, however subtle it may be. I understand Best Friends will put the funds to the very best use, but possibly someone could look into this issue and ask PetSmart for an explanation, and possibly a change in their policy.

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I am so happy Best Friends is focusing on this much maligned breed. I adopted my pitbull mix Lazlo from a shelter 3 1/2 years ago where he was picked up as a stray. I went in "blind" not knowing his background or behavior which was ok since Lazlo himself is blind. He was born blind and after taking him home I discovered he also had bird shot in his face. In spite of these things he is the sweetest dog and of my six everyone loves him the most. I also have a Chihuahua that has bitten me more times than I can count and in spite of giving him the best life he still does not like me or anyone else. I tell people these things every chance I get so they understand it is not the breed. Keep up the good work Best Friends.

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Here in Mobile, most pits are put down. Sometimes they are not giving a chance.

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Thank you BF for all the wonderful work done for all the animals. i am advocate for Pit Bulls. irresponsible owners and the bias reporting by the media, has created hysteria. Pit bulls are just like any dog, they feel, they love. unfortunately they are most abused breed of dog. what's even amazing is that there people who say they are animal lovers, yet they haven't any love nor compassion when it comes to this breed.

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We need this in Philadelphia. The amount of pit bulls at the PSPCA is overwhelming. What can be done to get something started in Philly?

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My pitt is an adoption success story. I've had Nuttie over 10 years now. Is she viscous? Yup - she'll kiss you to death & smother you with love. I have only ever met 1 pitt that was "aggressive", & when I met his owners I understood why. This breed really needs the help that the article was talking about. My next adoption will also be a pitt. I'm hooked.

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Although I am thrilled with the partnership with PetSmart, I am pretty confused at this moment. I have a pit bull mix that I am in love with --- when I wanted to use doggy daycare at my local PetSmart they refused because he is a pit bull. Can anyone help me understand why they are now donating funds to such a project? Has their policy changed?

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Hope something comes to New Jersey. What a great story. She lookes so kissable.

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My husband and I rescued a pit bull mix. She's been quite a lot of work, and it's only been in the past month, after over 7months of having her with us, that she has started to show us her true and wonderful personality. Her former "owners" abused and did not fed her enough, so she came to us nervous and thin. She still shy's away from people at times, but has gotten much better, and we are working on her food issues. It makes me sad to know that her ownership was a choice and her former owners made such a bad choice they could have ruined her. New York City NEEDS a dedicated pit bull rescue. The horrible people here abuse and abandon their pits when they are "done" with them. PLUS the bad Pit image is rampant throughout this city. We are trying to change that one person at a time by educating them when they comment on our beautiful little girl's breed.

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Great news! I love these little creatures, they are beautiful and have gotten such a bad rap, it's so sad. They have such sweet little faces and deserve the best. I love the comment about calling them kiss bulls. Hugs and lots of love to all of them.

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I think its great...

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Martiniqe, PetSmart Charities is planning to officially address this, but I wanted to clarify that PetSmart stores and PetSmart Charities are two separate entities.

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I think this is awesome I have 2 pit terriers and they are the best dogs ever. My daughter had a baby boy and my female pit just loves him , she protects him when he is here,this just shows that they are the most lovable dog in my book. I live in Alabama and there is not a place for abuse pits we have rescued serveral, rehabilated them and took care of them until they could be adopted, but there is no place where I am at for this breed. I would absolutely love it if trhey did.

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I am so glad more is being done to help our "pitties" I started my rescue organization due to so many of these wonderful dogs being killed in our shelters. I belive you get out of the dogs what you put into the dogs. Pitties are one of the best family dogs. Petey from the Little Rascas was a Pit Bull. I hope one day we won't have to rescue anymore and we can all just enjoy our dogs, all breeds.

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One look at shelters and you will realize that pits need the most help. They are full of pits and pit crosses who will never find homes. Insurance companies don't help either, if you have one they will not give you homeowners insurance. It was the same years ago when I had my Dobe. He was the best dog with kids ever. Only Allstate would insure my house as long as I had him. Its not the dogs, its the people who own them. The kids think they are cool to do the dogs up with chains and spiked collars. Not so cool.

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Looking for Homeowners Insurance companies that don't discriminate?? Check out this fantastic resource from the Animal Farm Foundation here: http://animalfarmfoundation.org/files/HomeInsurance_AFF09_color.pdf ~Jamie

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We own a pitbull and he is as sweet as sweet could be. His name is Diesel and he is so lovable. It is really sad that they have such a bad name. Like any other breed it is how you train them, any dog can be vicious if that is how they are trained. If I could afford another dog I would love to have Tiana. Our yard is big but can't afford another dog. I wish people would open their eyes and see that pits are like any other dog and get on board and see for themselves that having a pit is not bad at all.

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Another request (PLEA!) for help in Atlanta. We're fostering a pittie mix but it's so sad to see all those that can't be saved. And for those against the breed-- consider this- sadly there may always be "bad people." If it's not pit bulls, they'll find another breed.

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To Fishpaws33, what personal event caused you to close your mind and heart to the pit-bull terrier? I have owned pit-bull terriers (or their mixes) all my adult life and have never had any aggression issues. Two of my pit-bulls were certified Delta Therapy dogs, one worked with children who had AIDS, and the other is a Reading Program dog at an elementary school. They are great Ambassadors of their Breed. It would be interesting to know more about the fear behind your bias.

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I have what is most likely a pitt mix. He's very sweet, as are most of the pitts I've known. To those few who have posted biased, fear-based comments against this breed, I would like to mention that in my years of rescuing animals, working at a vet's office, and interacting with the canine's who live with family and friends (including wolves and wolf-hybrids), the only dogs who have ever bitten me, even drawing blood, belonged to toy dog breeds. Though they may not be able to do as much damage as a large dog, they can be equally as vicious as any larger dog. Please remember, "hate the deed, not the breed". Also, if you follow the Best Friends Magazine, you may remember that Best Friends identified the top 3 (or so) problems that need to be addressed in order to achieve their goal of "No More Homeless Pets". These would be Feral Cats, Puppy Mills, and the inordinate number of Pitt Bull and Pitt Bull-type dogs in the shelter-system. Many of these dogs are never given the chance at a home. Often they fall victim to a lethal injection or gas chamber. (Euthanasia, a word originating from Greek meaning "good death", doesn't really apply, in my opinion.) Perhaps now, you few will understand why BFAS focuses so vocally on Pitt Bulls. They advised us in advance that they would do so. That, however doesn't mean that they ignore any other breed of dog. Many kudos to Best Friends!!!!

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Re: Pamela Henson's post: Posting in the newspaper, weekly, a list or pictures (before) of animals euthanized might make some people realize the incredible numbers of animals being destroyed. Would be extremely sad, and unpopular, but some "in your face" information might spur some to speak up or step up to help end this tragedy. Also, does anyone have a successful program in their communities to address intact dogs of the homeless? I see an increasing number of homeless people with dogs in our community and a growing number of puppies from these dogs. Many thanks for any information.

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There is an organization named Dogs in Danger whose website is specifically for shelters to post the dogs scheduled to be euthanized to give them one last chance at adoption. I have adopted 6 dogs through seeing them on this site. They also have postings of the dogs who were euthanized because they did not find a home which is guaranteed to make you cry. Very powerful and a reminder of why we do what we do.

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Can't wait for this program to come to Las Vegas!

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I live in the Tampa area and recently adopted a pit bull mix from the Pinellas county shelter (pinellas neighbors Hillsborough county). I would estimate that 70-75% of the dogs in the shelter when we visited were pit bull, or staffordshire terrier mixes. Adopting was actually quite a challenge due to the extreme budget cuts in the county over the last year. Staffing and shelter hours were very limited. Also due to these limited resources we learned that any dog which shows the slightest hint of aggressive behavior (for example it snaps if you pull its tail) is put down. So many dogs are not ever even offered up for adoption and I understand that this is a similar scenario in Hillsborough county as well. These dogs can use all the help they can get.

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i totally agree with this organization i recently brought home an abused pit bull who was starved had every type of worms and the skin had begun growing over his entirely to tight collar and i will say he just took the abuse he is shy and timid now but he has never bit or lashed out at anyone since i have owned him so keep up the good work and save these dogs o and if your not a fan or pit bulls you should most likely find a shelter that doesnt like them either dog town did a great thing taking in Vick's dogs and i thank them

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